Reports indicate that Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State is in discussions to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), causing tensions to rise.
The potential defection of Governor Diri is likely to further erode the PDP’s influence in the South-South geopolitical zone, especially after the recent defections of Governors Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom to the APC.
Investigations have revealed that Diri is engaged in discussions with high-ranking officials in the Presidency and is conducting consultations with key political figures in Bayelsa regarding his potential defection.
According to a reliable source, Diri has informed several National Assembly members from the state about his plans and asked for their feedback, but not all lawmakers are said to support the idea.
“Governor Diri has spoken to members of the National Assembly about his intention to leave the PDP.
“While some are supportive, others, like Mitema Obordor (Ogbia), Fred Agbedi (Sagbama/Ekeremor), and Maria Ebikake (Brass/Nembe), have expressed reservations.
“They believe there is no urgent need for such a political shift,” the source told Daily Sun.
Oboku Oforji, representing Yenagoa Federal Constituency, is expected to follow Governor Diri’s lead, reportedly inspired by former governor and current Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, who represents Bayelsa West.
Although Senator Dickson does not support the defection, he has chosen not to intervene. Meanwhile, Senators Benson Agadaga and Konbowei Benson are said to be indifferent, but may join the governor if the defection occurs.
Governor Diri has also reportedly instructed the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Abraham Ngobere, to gauge the opinions of lawmakers on the defection.
A senior member of the Assembly confirmed that the Speaker had begun informal consultations and was expected to formally brief the House upon his return from an overseas trip.
“The chances of the governor defecting are very high. Many of us in the Assembly are ready to follow him.
“Bayelsa cannot be the only South-South state still in the PDP, especially given the internal uncertainties.
“The constant risk of our candidacies being voided by court rulings makes the APC a more stable option,” the lawmaker said.
Former Minister of Petroleum and ex-governor of Bayelsa, Chief Timipre Sylva, speaking in a telephone interview, said he was unaware of the reported plans but welcomed the idea.
“If Governor Diri is coming to the APC, I will be happy to receive him.
“When I first introduced the APC in Bayelsa, many dismissed it as not being an Ijaw party. But today, it’s gaining acceptance, and his defection would be a significant boost,” Sylva said.
However, Governor Diri’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, denied knowledge of any such move.
His words: “I’m not aware of any discussions the governor has had with anyone about defecting.
“Governor Diri is a transparent leader. If he makes such a decision, he will communicate it clearly. For now, I cannot confirm anything because I simply don’t have that information.”
